I've like my S&W Model 19-3 a great deal. Perfect size and runs well. Perfectly balanced design. I wanted it to be my new field piece. Typically I do some chainsawing in woods and I've found that typical open topped holsters fill with sawdust. This can be a real issue since the sawdust (particularly when it gets oily or is wet) likes to find its way into the rear sight notch! After basically perpetual disappointment with holsters both factory and high end custom, I came up with this holster of my own design and construction. It can work as a strong side full flap type holster on a 1.25" belt or as a tanker-style cross draw type holster using a SKS sling or similar. Made from 9 oz Belgian vegetable pit tanned leather from Scandinavian cattle. Saddle stitched using braided hemp cord. British tan dye and water based satin leather finish applied. These are the best materials available about $20 was used, and it took about 8 hours or labor (about 6 were spent working out the pattern). I carry this mainly when doing work in woods in the winter (mainly woodcutting). The full flap protects the rear sight and prevents sawdust and other debris from accumulating in the holster. Wearing it as a chest rig is very convenient when operating chainsaws and getting on and off tractors, and it is also perfectly comfortable to wear on my strong side. Surprisingly the draw is natural and faster than anything besides a Bianchi-type thumbsnap that I have tried. The flap is definitely faster to draw than a hammer thong or strap that is commonly found. I have found that open top holsters without retention systems need to be molded so tightly to retain the piece that they are actually SLOWER to draw than a more loosely fitted holster with a good retention system. And the finish lasts longer with a looser holster fit.
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